Tools for Success: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it."

American University (AU) has entrusted our property management team with its portfolio for over two decades (as part of the BMS acquisition). This long-standing partnership reflects our deep understanding of their properties, tenants, and operational needs.

As part of AU’s due diligence, they issued an RFP to us and six of our competitors with the goal of selecting the firm who could provide the best combination of services and cost savings to their portfolio.

Strategy

The competitive landscape required us to reaffirm our value and demonstrate why continuity was the best choice. We anchored our pitch on a simple, powerful message: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

To reinforce our message, we introduced distinctive presentation formats and visually compelling collateral designed to capture attention and drive engagement. We developed custom-branded toolkits complemented by a placemat overview and insert for the in-person pitch. These kits not only made our presentation stand out but also served as a lasting reminder that the Avison Young Property Management team brings the right “tools for success” and is fully equipped to handle every challenge—from preventative maintenance to complex engineering solutions.

In addition to the required formal RFP response, we created a custom Foleon site to offer AU a digital, more visually appealing option to view our responses.

Results

The pitch resonated with AU’s leadership. By combining a clear, relatable message with evidence of past success and creative approach, we reinforced trust and secured a continued partnership.

#PropertyManagement #Pitch #RFP #Presentation #Promotion #AmericanUniversity